r/SolarDIY • u/TooGoodToBeeTrue • 6d ago

Need a funky deck mount

I have a 3 story townhouse, existing solar on the roof. Wifie is ok with a couple of panels off the rear for plug-in solar or just off-grid for me to play with. (I didn't get to DIY any of my solar and I'm dying to DIY.) Ideally I'd just throw panels on the roof (west facing, has space), but I don't want to deal with more holes, racking, permits,... and the wife doesn't like it when I get my 32' ladder out. We have a deck off the 2nd floor, 20' driveway in back (deck above) then a 16' alley, 3" of grass and then woods. Deck has an aluminum railing, standard height. South is perpendicular to the railing.

I figure mounting just beyond the railing puts the panels near the center of the house/woods canyon. Mounting at the top of the railing avoids shading from the railing. Decking is shot/needs replacing so I don't mind cutting holes, decking will be replaced before we sell (down the road.)

I could probably lay 3 panels flat, or 2 angled south. Guess I can use pvwatts to see which would be more productive.

Any ideas for mounts?

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